Filling in for the late actor Heath Ledger in Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus,” was an unbelievably sad privilege says Johnny Depp, who was called in to supplement Ledger’s role in the half finishing film alongside actors Colin Farrell and Jude Law.

Ledger’s tragic death in 2008 left the film without a leading man. The Hollywood heavy-hitters stepped in to each play an incarnation of Ledger’s character, a mysterious loner who helps Dr. Parnassus, played by Christopher Plummer save his daughter’s soul from the devil.

"Though the circumstances of my involvement are extremely heartrending and unbelievably sad, I feel privileged to have been asked aboard to stand in on behalf of dear Heath,” Depp said in a statement to Moviefone.

“He was the only player out there breathing heavy down the back of every established actor's neck with a thundering and ungovernable talent that came up on you quick, hissing rather mischievously with that cheeky grin, 'Hey ... get on out of my way boys, I'm coming through!' And does he ever!!!"

Gilliam's film opens in New York and Los Angeles on Christmas Day and in the rest of the country on Jan. 8.

Years ago I compared Heath to Johnny and Tom Hanks – who all have a remarkable talent for playing wildly different characters very convincingly. I'm anxious to see Dr.P, but I don't know that Heath could top the Joker for a last role.

And while I think Johnny could make a fabulous villain for Batman, I think the only one who could play the Joker with the same intensity and gleeful mayhem is Christian Bale. American Psycho? I think that's what made Batman so extraordinary was that it was like Batman looking into a twisted mirror.

I actually thought no one could replace the joker (Heath Ledger) but i may be wrong, johnny depp should be the one in the joker's return... definitely not a bad idea... spread the word, maybe the movie director may agree that bad a$$ johnny is probably their best bet...

If anyone could step into a role like this, it would be Depp.
Clearly because of previous roles, he is the perfect choice!
One will surely have melacholy thoughts while watching knowing what Heath Ledger could have brought to it, and Depp may be able to capture that spirit of him as well ~

Speaking of someone stepping in for Heath, perhaps Johnny Depp should step in and take the role of Joker. Someone of his caliber NEEDS to or the greatest superhero of all time won't be able to continue his greatest excursion ever filmed.

I mean come on, we finally get a fantastic Batman series, one that did the cowl justice, but now it's put on hold because wuite simply, who could match Heath's performance?

Had they changed the end of the film, and let Harvey die instead of Joker, we wouldn't have this issue. So let Johnny Depp step into the clown face and give it a whirl. All due respect to Heath, but I want Batman back!

Heath Ledger fans have been waiting for this film for a long time. I applaud Depp, Law, and Farrell for stepping in to help finish the film so Heath's fans can see his last great work and also for donating all proceeds to Heath's daughter, Matilda. Can't wait to see it!

JD is real, a true human being. He shows this in almost everything he does. I hope Heath's family finds some peace through the tributes his peers continue to lay upon his departure. We still and forever miss him and his statements made through his chosen art. We are grateful for the short time we had him........grateful..

A truly bitter-sweet scenario, but I love Johnny Depp. I didn't watch the movie "The Dark Knight for a long time after it was released onto DVD, because I was saddened by Heath Ledger's death. No, I'm no celebrity. Not even close, but I think most people feel a bond with actors and actresses that they love when their emotions are so raw and in display for all to see and experience. In the end, I think my watching the movie was a great tribute to the lost actor.

I know Johnny Depp will do a parallel job to the job Heath would have done.